NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
80 reportsClear category filter140,000 miles · Oct 6, 2014
Power Train
WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR ANY DISTANCE OVER 30 MILES AND THE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 70 DEGREES OUTSIDE, THE TRANS OIL TEMP SIGNAL COMES ON AND I LOSS ALL POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS ISSUE, BECAUSE THIS HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY / HIGHWAY. IT IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. WHEN I INITIALLY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER…
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WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR ANY DISTANCE OVER 30 MILES AND THE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 70 DEGREES OUTSIDE, THE TRANS OIL TEMP SIGNAL COMES ON AND I LOSS ALL POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS ISSUE, BECAUSE THIS HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY / HIGHWAY. IT IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. WHEN I INITIALLY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THEY COULDN'T RECREATE IT, THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED ME TO LIMIT TRIPS OR BORROW / RENT A CAR TO GO ANYWHERE OF ANY DISTANCE. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR OVER TWO YEARS, BUT DIDN'T REALIZE HOW MANY OTHER DODGE CALIBER OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE UNTIL RECENTLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641676
58,000 miles · Mar 25, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 55 BACK TO PEORIA,IL . CAR INTERIOR AND DASH LIGHTS FLASHING AND SURGING. SMELT SOMETHING BURNING. CAR DIED, LUCKY GOT TO SHOULDER OF FREEWAY. HAD IT TOWED FROM PONTIAC, IL. TO FIRESTONE IN PEORIA,IL. *TR DIAGNOSIS, HOLE IN A/C COMPRESSOR (POSSIBLE PISTONS BLEW THROUGH CASING), SHORTED STARTER, FRIED BAT…
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DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 55 BACK TO PEORIA,IL . CAR INTERIOR AND DASH LIGHTS FLASHING AND SURGING. SMELT SOMETHING BURNING. CAR DIED, LUCKY GOT TO SHOULDER OF FREEWAY. HAD IT TOWED FROM PONTIAC, IL. TO FIRESTONE IN PEORIA,IL. *TR DIAGNOSIS, HOLE IN A/C COMPRESSOR (POSSIBLE PISTONS BLEW THROUGH CASING), SHORTED STARTER, FRIED BATTERY
NHTSA ODI #10574817
70,539 miles · Mar 6, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON I-10 AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND SLOWED DOWN DESPITE MY FOOT STILL BEING ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN THE ENGINE STOPPED ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I COASTED TO THE MEDIAN, AND WAITED FOR 3-4 MINUTES, (MOSTLY TO CATCH MY BREATH AS I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT RUN OVER BY SEMI'S) I RESTAR…
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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON I-10 AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND SLOWED DOWN DESPITE MY FOOT STILL BEING ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN THE ENGINE STOPPED ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I COASTED TO THE MEDIAN, AND WAITED FOR 3-4 MINUTES, (MOSTLY TO CATCH MY BREATH AS I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT RUN OVER BY SEMI'S) I RESTARTED THE MPH WAS THE NORM) I HAD TO PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND DRIVE TO THE NEXT EXIT. THE MECHANIC SAID THE CONTROL BOARD FOR THE CRANKSHAFT WAS BLOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR OTHER DRIVERS AND OWNERS OF A DODGE CALIBER IF IT IS A COMMON DEFECT. 07DODCALIBER/PC684 DODGE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567533
82,150 miles · Feb 18, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
CAR WILL RANDOMLY START SHAKING LIKE THERE IS BARELY ANY POWER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR TWICE. NUMEROUS THROTTLE ISSUES THAT NUMEROUS AUTO SERVICE SHOPS WERE NOT ABLE TO FULLY TAKE CARE OF. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED, LIGHTLY AND NORMALLY THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE INAPPROPRIATELY A…
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CAR WILL RANDOMLY START SHAKING LIKE THERE IS BARELY ANY POWER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR TWICE. NUMEROUS THROTTLE ISSUES THAT NUMEROUS AUTO SERVICE SHOPS WERE NOT ABLE TO FULLY TAKE CARE OF. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED, LIGHTLY AND NORMALLY THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE INAPPROPRIATELY AND KIND OF JERK FORWARD. IN ADDITION, WHEN TURNING AND THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED NORMALLY THE CAR WOULD SEEM TO LOSE POWER AND SEEM TO GLIDE INTO THE TURN AND THEN JERK FORWARD. THESE THROTTLE ISSUES WERE NEVER FULLY EXPLAINED OR FIXED. AFTER A WHILE THE CAR DASH STARTED FLASHING A RED ELECTRICAL BOLT AND THE CAR WOULD SHUTTER AND SHAKE AND LOSE ALL POWER. INITIALLY, WHEN THIS OCCURRED I WAS ABLE TO JUST TURN THE CAR OFF AND WAIT AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND IT WOULD FUNCTION FOR A WHILE. ALSO, IF THE CAR WAS IDLING AT A STOPLIGHT OR PARKED THE ELECTRICAL BOLT WOULD FLASH AND THE CAR WOULD START TO SHAKE. NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE CLUSTER CONSTANTLY TURNS OFF AND ON AND BEEPS WHILE THE CAR IS SHAKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564884
87,200 miles · Jan 6, 2014
Power Train
CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD GRINDING NOISE UNDER HOOD WHILE ACCELERATING DURING REGULAR DRIVING. HAD INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSE NOISE. WAS ADVISED GEAR INSIDE TRANSMISSION 'BROKEN' TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED, CANNOT BE FIXED. CALIBER HAS CVT TRANSMISSION WHICH HAD WIDESPREAD/KNOWN ISSUES. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD AT LEA…
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CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD GRINDING NOISE UNDER HOOD WHILE ACCELERATING DURING REGULAR DRIVING. HAD INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSE NOISE. WAS ADVISED GEAR INSIDE TRANSMISSION 'BROKEN' TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED, CANNOT BE FIXED. CALIBER HAS CVT TRANSMISSION WHICH HAD WIDESPREAD/KNOWN ISSUES. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD AT LEAST LAST THE LIFE OF A CAR LOAN WHEN THE CAR US PURCHASED FAIRLY NEW. DODGE REFUSES TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF PROBLEM ALTHOUGH IT IS DOCUMENTED ALL OVER INTERNET INCLUDING YOUTUBE . IF OTHER MANUFACTURERS ARE ASSISTING IN REPAIRING/REPLACING THESE TRANSMISSIONS, WHY CAN'T DODGE. I AM ALSO INTERESTED TO KNOW OF ANY CLASS ACTION SUITS TO JOIN BASED ON OTHER KNOWN ISSUES, SOME I HAVE FIXED, SOME I HOPE I CAN GET RID OF THE CAR BEFORE I ENCOUNTER. DODGE MARKETED THIS CAR KNOWING OF THE FAULTY ISSUES...ISN'T THAT CRIMINAL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558697
34,220 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Power TrainStructureSuspension
WHEN DOING A BRAKE JOB I NOTICED THE FRONT K MEMBER HAD A CORROSION HOLE IN THE BACK OF IT, THIS IS THE FRONT SUB FRAME THAT HOLDS THE POWERTRAIN AND FRONT SUSPENSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551774
52,592 miles · Oct 9, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WENT TO GET MY OIL CHANGED AN THE OIL CHANGE PERSON SAID HE COULD NOT CHANGE MY OIL BECAUSE THE OIL PAN IS ROTTING OUT FROM RUST AN THERE'S ANOTHER PAN THERE THAT LOOKS BAD TO I GUESSING MUST BE TRANSMISSION COVER,I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HEARD OF A OIL PAN RUSTING OUT .THE CAR IS LIKE NEW,WHAT DO I DO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547385
44,000 miles · Sep 25, 2013
Power Train
I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. I WAS DRIVING AND THEN WENT OVER A BUMP AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS SO WORRIED WHY THAT HAD HAPPENED SO I WENT TO AN AUTO ZONE TO GET THE ENGINE LIGHT CHECKED AND HE TOLD ME NOTHING IS COMING UP ON THE COMPUTER SO IT SHOULD TURN OFF. SO THEN IT DID TURN OFF BUT TH…
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I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. I WAS DRIVING AND THEN WENT OVER A BUMP AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS SO WORRIED WHY THAT HAD HAPPENED SO I WENT TO AN AUTO ZONE TO GET THE ENGINE LIGHT CHECKED AND HE TOLD ME NOTHING IS COMING UP ON THE COMPUTER SO IT SHOULD TURN OFF. SO THEN IT DID TURN OFF BUT THEN LAST WEEK MY CAR STARTED ACTING WEIRD AND THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING BACK ON AND GOING OFF. WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON SOMETIMES EVEN THE ABS LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT AT THE SAME TIME. ONE TIME I WAS EVEN DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND GOING 55 AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD BARELY MOVE WHILE I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY I COULD HAVE GOT HIT!! I BROUGHT IT TO A DIFFERENT DODGE DEALER THEN I HAD PURCHASED IT FROM TO GET AN OPINION AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THIS PART IS $700 AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS. THIS IS SO UPSETTING BECAUSE I JUST GOT THE CAR. I STARTED DOING MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE SEEN MY EXACT CAR HAS HAD SO MANY RECALLS AND SEEN MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE DODGE DEALER SERVICE ASSISTANT TOLD ME HE HAS HAD TO PUT THESE IN MANY CALIBERS AND THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM FROM THE FACTORY. I AM BEGINNING FOR YOUR HELP FOR MYSELF AND EVERYONE WITH THIS CAR THAT HAS HAD OR IS GOING TO GET THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545430
172,000 miles · Sep 13, 2013
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON-BATTERY, FUEL, TEMP, ETC. CAR LOST SPEED AND BECAME SLUGGISH. LOST POWER STEERING AND PULLED OVER. CAR IMMEDIATELY DIED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. LOCKED UP COMPLETELY. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINS, IT STARTED BACK UP AND RAN FOR PAX 3 BLOCKS BEFORE DOING IT AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED. RE…
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DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON-BATTERY, FUEL, TEMP, ETC. CAR LOST SPEED AND BECAME SLUGGISH. LOST POWER STEERING AND PULLED OVER. CAR IMMEDIATELY DIED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. LOCKED UP COMPLETELY. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINS, IT STARTED BACK UP AND RAN FOR PAX 3 BLOCKS BEFORE DOING IT AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED. REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, THEN 3 WEEKS LATER SAME ISSUES. REPLACED THE BATTERY. DID NOT FIX IT. NOW TOLD ITS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THE DODGE CALIBER AND IS THE CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS A 1000 DOLLAR PART PLUS LABOR. AND THAT DODGE IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAS NOT RECALLED THEM. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE STUCK WITH THE COSTS OF A MAJOR REPAIR THAT IS A DESIGN FLAW FROM THE MANUFACTURER THAT THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF FOR YEARS AND IS OBVIOUSLY A HAZARD WHEN IT SHUTS DOWN IMMEDIATELY WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND 84 YEAR OLD GRAND MOTHER WERE WITH ME IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FOR HOURS WHILE WAITING ON A TOW AND A FAMILY MEMBER TO COME GET US SINCE WE COULDN'T RIDE IN THE TOW TRUCK. AFTER READING FORUMS ONLINE, HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CALIBER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. SOME HAD CARS THAT WERE ONLY TWO WEEKS OLD! I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION AND HOPEFULLY A RECALL HAPPEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543543
94,000 miles · Aug 15, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES TO INCREASE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ON THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10535522
Official recalls
4Dec 21, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Jun 3, 2010
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.
May 7, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Dec 29, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE10012 · Sticking Accelerator Pedal
Opened Apr 29, 2010 · Closed Aug 26, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of June 3, 2010, Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall of approximately 25,265 model year 2007 Dodge Caliber vehicles and 71 model year 2007 Jeep Compass vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2006 through May 19, 2006.The recall will remedy a defect in the accelerator pedal assembly (accelerator pedal) of the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system that can cause the accelerator pedal to stick in an open position and not return to the idle position when released.As stated in the opening resume, the subject vehicles (Caliber) are equipped with an ETC accelerator pedal manufactured by the CTS Corporation, the same supplier of the ETC accelerator pedal used in the recently recalled Toyota vehicles.The ETC accelerator pedal used in Caliber and Compass vehicles is not the same as those used in the recalled Toyota vehicles.They are of a different design, were manufactured using different tooling, and fail in a different manner.According to Chrysler and CTS, oversized bearing pockets in the ETC accelerator pedal housing of the Caliber and Compass vehicles allows the accelerator pedal pivot shaft bearings to dislodge from the housing.If this occurs, the accelerator pedal can stick in an open position (i.e., fails to return to the closed position) or be slow to return.Chrysler's DIR notes that the subject vehicles are equipped with Smart Brake Technology and contends that the impact of a binding or sticking accelerator pedal can be negated by its Smart Brake system.In Chrysler's view, the system enables the brake pedal input to override the throttle control system and safely depower the vehicle and minimizes the potential for safety consequences resulting from the defect in the accelerator pedal.Further, Chrysler states, as a result of the presence of this technology, Chrysler Group LLC has concluded that the condition described in this report does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.ODI does not concur with Chrysler's position that the Smart Brake technology employed in the subject vehicles eliminates unreasonable risks to safety stemming from the ETC accelerator pedal defect.Aside from the fact that the technology is applicable only to situations where the brake pedal is activated, the Smart Brake system implemented in the subject vehicles will override a stuck throttle under a discrete set of conditions.Because driver behaviors (e.g., kicking at the accelerator pedal to dislodge it, or pumping the brake pedal instead of steady application) may delay or prevent activation of the Smart Brake system in the subject vehicles, ODI believes that this Smart Brake system does not totally eliminate unreasonable risks to safety posed by this defect or the necessity of a safety recall in this case.See Safety Recall file 10V-234 for recall details.